Objective: To discuss the potential therapeutic value of intraluminal oxygenation of the gut in critical illness.
Data sources: Relevant articles published in the English language literature.
Study selection: No special study has been carried out for the present presentation.
Data extraction: Information from the literature has been used to illustrate a potential way of preventing multiple organ failure.
Data synthesis: Animal experiments have demonstrated that oxygenation of the intestinal mucosa by providing gaseous oxygen to the mucosa or by perfusing the gut lumen with oxygenated fluids may prevent the development of mucosal injury that otherwise occurs in ischemic states. All available experience is based on experiments, and thus far, the clinical relevance of this observation is not tested.
Conclusions: Intraluminal oxygenation may prevent the development of intestinal mucosal injury that is otherwise seen in conditions causing intestinal ischemia.